Trekking in Nepal travel guide
Many places lay claim to the best treks in the world – Peru’s Inca Trail, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro to name but two – but none are as spectacular as the Himalayan epics in Nepal. More of a mecca than a mountain, climbing Everest is a pilgrimage and the ultimate bucket list tick. The breathtaking Annapurna range is a horseshoe-shaped route that wanders through traditional Hindu villages and wild forests of oak. And then there’s Langtang, an alpine trek that runs parallel with Tibet and offers more amazing views in a short time than any other walk-in trek in Nepal.
To see your first Himalayan peak, swathed in the sun’s first fiery rays, is to discover the truth that our world is far more beautiful than it is flawed. It will take your breath away.![]()
There is no greater feeling than knowing all you have to do when you get up is walk, so go for as long as you can because other than awestruck, the only thing trekking in Nepal will leave you is wanting more. Get the most out of your mountain adventure with our trekking in Nepal travel guide.
Do go on trekking in Nepal if…
Don’t go trekking in Nepal if…
Our Nepal trekking Vacations
Annapurna trekking vacations, Nepal
From the Annapurna Range vistas to jungles of Chitwan NP
From
US $1590 to US $1690
11 days
ex flights
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo lakes trek in Nepal
This high altitude trek explores the heart of Sherpa homeland
From
US $3679 to US $4079
19 days
ex flights
Nepal family vacation, walking in the Annapurnas
Low altitude trek in the Annapurna foothills
From
US $1799
12 days
ex flights
Nepal homestay trekking vacation
Don't travel as a tourist, live like a local in Nepal!
From
US $1150 to US $1670
13 days
ex flights
Annapurna Base Camp trekking vacations
legendary and classical trek in the world
From
US $1115 to US $1550
8 days
ex flights
Annapurna Sanctuary trek & Chitwan safari
Spectacular trekking and jungle safari at Chitwan
From
US $1095 to US $1195
17 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Nepal trekking or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
1-866-821-6866
Call toll free
Calling from outside the USA
What does trekking in Nepal entail?
Every trek in Nepal entails good health and a degree of physical fitness – you don’t need to be a gym bunny, but you will need to feel comfortable with walking for between 5 and 8 hours a day, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4 and 20 like-minded travelers and you'll have a group leader with you, porters to carry your kit and a local English-speaking guide. The cost of your accommodation, which will be a combination of hotels – in Kathmandu where you’ll begin and end your trek - and local teahouse lodging in the mountain villages you’ll pass through, will be included in the overall cost of your trip, as will airport transfers, private transport, entrance fees, trekking permits and most meals unless otherwise specified. It’s important to remember that you will need additional money for tipping at the end of your trek; as an approximate rule of thumb, £60 should cover it.
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4 and 20 like-minded travelers and you'll have a group leader with you, porters to carry your kit and a local English-speaking guide. The cost of your accommodation, which will be a combination of hotels – in Kathmandu where you’ll begin and end your trek - and local teahouse lodging in the mountain villages you’ll pass through, will be included in the overall cost of your trip, as will airport transfers, private transport, entrance fees, trekking permits and most meals unless otherwise specified. It’s important to remember that you will need additional money for tipping at the end of your trek; as an approximate rule of thumb, £60 should cover it.
Trekking is a strenuous undertaking, it’s hard work on your knees and on your lungs too, especially in areas of higher-altitude: at 5,400m, the air holds half the oxygen it does at sea level, so it’s vital that you familiarise yourself with the danger of altitude sickness and how best to combat it.
Do not be put off or afraid though – our tour operators and the local guides and porters they employ have a vast knowledge of the incredible landscape in Nepal and are trained to spot the first signs of anyone that might be struggling. You’ll be well looked after.
Do not be put off or afraid though – our tour operators and the local guides and porters they employ have a vast knowledge of the incredible landscape in Nepal and are trained to spot the first signs of anyone that might be struggling. You’ll be well looked after.
A Brief History
40 million years ago, a collision between two plates of the earth’s crust resulted in the creation of the world’s highest mountain range – the Himalayas, an area 10 times the size of France.
For centuries then, it’s likely that the Newars, Sherpas, and other original Nepalese settlers have traversed the glacial Himalayan peaks, but the known history of trekking in Nepal began in the 1900s when the country opened its dramatic frontiers to the outside world. Read more
For centuries then, it’s likely that the Newars, Sherpas, and other original Nepalese settlers have traversed the glacial Himalayan peaks, but the known history of trekking in Nepal began in the 1900s when the country opened its dramatic frontiers to the outside world. Read more
More about Nepal trekking
The best time to trek in Nepal depends on which elevation you’re intending to head for with Annapurna, Langtang and Everest regions all displayed on our easy to use temperature and rainfall chart.
Our straightforward interactive map allows you to discover some of the best treks in Nepal as well as sample Nepal trekking itineraries, where to trek and what our expert suppliers recommend.
The trek to Everest Base Camp, at a dizzying 5,364m, is varied, exciting and rich in history, and it demands stamina but also patience.
The longest of Nepal’s popular trekking routes, and its most varied, the Annapurna Circuit takes almost three weeks to complete in its entirety, through paddy fields and Hindu farming communities to the Tibetan, prayer-flag strewn villages of the high Himalayas.
A perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking, Nepal’s mini Annapurna circuit trek uses an internal flight to shave some distance off the full circuit route, condensing this awesome hike into a two week trip.
If the only peaks you’ve seen are in Derbyshire, Nepal’s Annapurna region will blow your mind, as this is a mountain range so vast, high and majestic that even seasoned travelers are left speechless.
Gaining in popularity but still somewhat off the beaten track, the Manaslu Circuit trek takes you in a loop around mighty Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world.
There are some no-brainers when it comes to our top 10 walks in Nepal, but Nepal also offers some surprises, including lower-elevation routes that make treks possible for less experienced hikers.
Fancy trekking in Nepal with kids? This page is all about activities for families on a Nepal trek, including the Poon Hill Trek, the Royal Trek and time spent at Kathmandu’s bazaar.
Our Nepal trekking advice from our friends in Nepal is essential reading and will help you make the most of your experience, with recommendations and tips from Nepal trekking experts.
Porters’ rights, wood for fuel and orphanage problems all need to be addressed if you want to travel right in Nepal, and our responsible trekking in Nepal page lightens your load as you find to do to help.
